100-Day Campaign to End Homelessness

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As part of Connecticut's work to end homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015, and chronic homelessness by the end of 2016, Shelter for the Homeless joined forces with more than 14 agencies across the state to participate in a 100-day challenge, an initiative by Rapid Results Institute. The result: 92 individuals and 68 families in Fairfield County were housed and another 80 individuals were matched to housing resources in Fairfield County over the course of the 100-day period. Additionally, 34 individuals were diverted to resources other than staying at a shelter and overall; Connecticut experienced the lowest population of homelessness across the state in a point in time count, ever.

Pacific House was represented in this initiative by Marie Johnson, Director of Program Services, who participated in the Fairfield County Rapid Results team. Marie joined representatives from fourteen agencies to set goals and plan how to achieve them in a coordinated, supportive effort. Plans included strengthening partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Social Security and Housing Authorities, as well as educating and creating relationships with area landlords so that clients may be placed in housing as it becomes available. Together the team improved the system, strategically tracked clients and shared data over a more secure data platform.

“I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of this campaign,” said Marie. “This effort shows that through a more organized system and improved partnerships we can speed up the process of preparing clients to take advantage of housing opportunities as they become available. This effort was extremely rewarding and I’m proud that Shelter for the Homeless was a part of it.”

"I'm so thankful for the 100 day effort," said F.W., a formerly homeless Army Veteran who received a subsidized housing voucher during the 100-day campaign. "On the same day that I received the housing voucher, I also got a job! To have a place to live and a place to work is a dream come true." F.W. moved into his Stamford apartment over the July 4th weekend.

Earlier this year, Governor Malloy announced that Connecticut was one of several states selected for Zero:2016, a national initiative organized by the nonprofit organization Community Solutions, and dedicated to ending veteran and chronic homelessness within the next two years. The 100-day campaign puts Connecticut on track to become the nation’s leader in statewide veteran and chronic homelessness eradication.

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Ending homelessness in Lower Fairfield County is within our reach – we know it can be done, and now we know how to do it – all that is now missing is our collective will.